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Railroad Operator Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

Tulsa, OK ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Capital Railroad Services, Inc. (CRS) has been at the forefront of railroad bridge rehabilitation ... With a base knowledge of construction tasks and physical labor experience, the Crane Operator will ...

Backhoe Operator I

Tulsa, OK ยท On-site

$40K - $53K/yr

Backhoe Operator North American Rail Solutions (NARS) is seeking a skilled Backhoe Operator to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance projects. This hourly craft ...

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Railroad Operator information

See Oklahoma salary details

$8

$18

$37

How much do railroad operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad operator in Oklahoma is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $19.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad operator?

Railroad operators are professionals responsible for managing the movement of trains along rail networks. They monitor train schedules, coordinate with engineers and conductors, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains. Their duties may also include controlling track switches, communicating with dispatchers, and responding to emergencies. Railroad operators play a vital role in maintaining railway safety and timely transportation of passengers and goods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad operator?

To thrive as a Railroad Operator, you need a solid understanding of railway operations, safety regulations, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with signaling systems, dispatch software, and locomotive controls is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong communication skills help operators manage schedules and respond effectively to emergencies. These skills are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely movement of trains while minimizing risks on the railway.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad operators and how can they be addressed?

Railroad operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strict adherence to safety regulations, and maintaining schedules despite operational delays. Effective communication with dispatchers and other crew members is crucial to managing these situations. Proactively reporting equipment issues, participating in ongoing safety training, and staying adaptable can help operators overcome these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Railroad Operator vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRailroad OperatorSignal Maintainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in electrical or signal systems
Work EnvironmentTrain cab, rail yards, on tracksSignal boxes, electrical rooms, on-site at rail yards and tracks
Industry UsageOperating trains, controlling movementMaintaining and repairing signaling systems

Railroad Operators focus on operating trains and ensuring safe movement along tracks, while Signal Maintainers specialize in maintaining signaling systems that control train traffic. Both roles require safety training and are essential for railway operations, but they differ in daily tasks and technical skills.

How much do railroad operators make?

Railroad operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the employer. They often require specialized training and certifications, and may work irregular hours or shifts in a safety-sensitive environment.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired as a railroad operator can be competitive and typically requires relevant experience, safety training, and sometimes certifications. Employers often look for candidates with good communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a safety-sensitive environment.

What job categories do people searching Railroad Operator jobs in Oklahoma look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Operator jobs in Oklahoma are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Operator job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,216 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Crane Operator

Tulsa, OK โ€ข On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

The CRS team is looking for dynamic individuals that are highly self-motivated to join our mobile bridge construction crews and enjoy a rewarding career while traveling the United States. Capital Railroad Services, Inc. (CRS) has been at the forefront of railroad bridge rehabilitation in the United States and Canada since the mid-1950s. We are one of the nation's largest railroad bridge contracting and engineering companies, serving Class 1, regional and short line railroads. CRS has a strong safety culture and is a trusted partner with the railroad industry. We have been building careers for over 60 years and offer competitive wages with a rich benefits package and rapid advancement opportunities. With a base knowledge of construction tasks and physical labor experience, the Crane Operator will be trained to assist their Foreman with tasks associated with the repair and construction of railroad bridges. This position involves continuous travel from job to job throughout the United States with a schedule of 6 weeks on with 1 week off. Compensation The starting wage for this role is between $90,000 and $120,000 per year (based on hourly wage and overtime), to commensurate with experience. Our lodging allowance is $805 per week and will be paid according to policy guidelines.

Essential Functions The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

โ€ขExperience operating hydraulic cranes ? Constantly up and down step ladder onto Boom Truck (1st step is approx. 2 ยฝโ€™, 2nd step is approx. 1โ€™)

โ€ข Understand the proper rigging of loads ? Involves bending, stooping, lifting in order to attach straps to secure loads of timber, steel, tools etc. prior to lifting by crane.

โ€ข Perform and document daily crane safety inspection ? Greasing areas of crane (boom) and truck. โ€ข Perform scheduled maintenance on crane, truck and rail gear ? May involve climbing around on truck. Cleaning using solvents etc.

โ€ข Knowledge in different types of timber bridge construction, the structural significance of their components and methods of repair (Replace bridge timbers). Assist with said repairs.

? Run hydraulic spiker (weighs 65#, carry (5โ€™ โ€“ 75โ€™) from truck to setup in work area) ? Drilling holes in timber (Capital uses ยฝโ€ right angle drills โ€“ weigh approx.. 10#) ? Carry railroad tie plates (12# each) 4 at a time (48#) 5โ€™ โ€“ 75โ€™ from Boom Truck/Job Trailer to work location. Once installed, return 5โ€™ โ€“ 75โ€™ to retrieve more. Repeat process until all tie plates are installed.

? Carry tools 5โ€™ โ€“ 75โ€™ (approx. 30# at a time) from Boom Truck/Job Trailer to work location. Can involve moving up and down uneven terrain on 10โ€™-20โ€™ embankments (45 degrees)

? Carry 20 lb. keg of bolts 5โ€™-75โ€™ out to work location.

? Swinging a spike maul (weighs 11# - to pound railroad tie spikes into place) which requires repeated strikes per spike to drive it in. Should be able to complete pounding 8-10 before a break. On-site supervisor says he would be nervous giving him even 2 to pound in before a break.

? Carry guard timbers (up to 150# with help of another worker) 25โ€™-30โ€™ to work location ? Carry generator (up to 180# with help of another worker) 5โ€™-75โ€™ to work location at beginning of day and put away at end of day.

โ€ข Evaluate structural damage of a railroad bridge and set up proper repair procedures โ€ข Ability to make batter pile cuts using a batter cutting jig

? Setup pile posting jig (weighs 80#). Pick it up and move to next pile posting location (usually 5โ€™ โ€“ 10โ€™) ? Dig dirt to setup for pile replacement

โ€ข Ability to set up cutting channels for a cap change out

โ€ข Ability to set up and use the overhead jacking system

โ€ข Experience completing a change out of a cap and stringer on an open deck bridge

Job Responsibilities

โ€ข Remove steel rivets using pneumatic tools

โ€ข Regularly lift and move up to 10 pounds, frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 70 pounds. โ€ข Tighten structural steel bolts using impact wrenches

โ€ข Cut and remove structural steel using oxygen and acetylene torches โ€ข Drill holes in steel and timber using magnetic, electric, or hydraulic drills

โ€ข Install and dismantle scaffolding

โ€ข Drive spikes and pins using hand tools

โ€ข Perform digging and site preparation using hand tools

โ€ข Assist with general bridge repair and construction activities โ€ข Specific vision abilities are required for this job which include, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Requirements

โ€ข High School Diploma or equivalent โ€ข Previous Experience with heavy physical labor and exposure to heights

โ€ข Experience operating hydraulic cranes

โ€ข Ability to read and interpret load charts

โ€ข Successfully complete 40 hour crane operation and safety course within 60 days of employment

โ€ข Ability to read and interpret documents

โ€ข Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure

โ€ข Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form

โ€ข Must be NCCCO certified or capable of getting certification within 3 months of completing Crane Operator training

โ€ข Possess a valid commercial driverโ€™s license (CDL) equivalent to the state of Wisconsin Class A with hazardous material (HAZMAT) endorsement.

โ€ข Knowledge in different types of bridge construction, the structural significance of their components and methods of repair.

Work Environment

โ€ข Routine exposure to outdoor weather conditions

โ€ข Work at heights up to 300 feet

โ€ข Exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, and electrical sources

โ€ข Loud work environment requiring raised voice communication

Benefits

CRS offers an outstanding benefits package that includes the following:

โ€ข Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

โ€ข 401(k) with company match

โ€ข Paid time off (vacation, holidays, and bereavement leave)

โ€ข Travel Assistance Program

โ€ข Life insurance (employee, spouse, dependent)

โ€ข Short-term disability coverage

โ€ข Employee Assistance Program

โ€ข Company-provided PPE, equipment, tools, and transportation